Moving to Spain to work remotely sounds like a dream — until you meet Spanish bureaucracy. If you're a freelancer or digital nomad trying to stay legal while working for a company abroad, you've likely run into the autónomo system. And if you have, you know the deal: taxes, social security quotas, quarterly declarations, and the looming presence of Hacienda.

But what if there were a simpler way to work remotely in Spain — legally, with benefits — and without having to sign up as an autónomo?

That’s exactly what I learned over coffee with a friend who’s been working through an Employer of Record (EOR). And I’m sharing everything they told me, because if you’re tired of navigating Spanish tax forms solo, this might change the game for you too.

What Is an Employer of Record (EOR)?

An Employer of Record is a company that hires you on paper on behalf of the business you’re actually working for — usually a company based outside Spain.

For example, if your client or employer is in the U.S., UK, or Germany, but you live in Spain, the EOR becomes your official employer within Spain. They handle:

• Payroll
• Taxes and deductions
• Social security contributions
• Compliance with Spanish labor laws

You still do your remote job as usual. But legally, you’re a salaried employee — not a freelancer.

Why Remote Workers Are Choosing EORs in Spain

Here’s what my friend shared that really got me thinking:

✅ No need to register as autónomo
✅ No quarterly VAT declarations or Modelo 130
✅ Access to Spanish public healthcare, sick leave, and pension
✅ Stable employment record for residency and visa purposes
✅ No need for a gestor to decode legal jargon every month

If you've ever spent a Saturday night trying to figure out if your invoice should include IRPF, this setup starts to look very appealing.

How the EOR Model Works (In Simple Terms)

Let’s break it down:

1. A foreign company wants to work with you, but they don’t have a registered entity in Spain.
2. They partner with an EOR that operates legally within Spain.
3. The EOR hires you locally, handles your taxes and social contributions, and gives you a proper employment contract.
4. You work remotely like always — just with less paperwork and more benefits.

The company pays the EOR a service fee, and you get paid like a local employee, with payslips, benefits, and legal protections.

My friend said the onboarding was “shockingly smooth” — a few forms, a meeting with Deel (the platform they use), and they were all set up within a few days.

Meet Deel: A Reliable EOR Solution

While there are a few EOR platforms out there, Deel is the one my friend uses and recommends.

They’ve helped thousands of remote workers get legally set up across dozens of countries, including Spain. Deel handles contracts, payroll, benefits, and support — all in one place.

Why Deel?

✔️ Fast and easy onboarding
✔️ Compliant with Spanish labor law
✔️ Clear payslips and local tax contributions
✔️ Friendly to digital nomads and long-term residents
✔️ 24/7 support if something goes wrong

You work from Spain. Deel makes sure you’re legal, protected, and paid.

👉 Learn more about Deel: www.deel.com

What About the Cost?

Most EOR services charge your employer or client, not you. Typical pricing is around $400–$600 per month, but that’s something your employer would need to handle on their end.

You don’t pay out of pocket — instead, you receive your net salary like any other local employee.

In return, you avoid paying the monthly autónomo quota (often over €300), gestoría fees, and the time and stress of doing everything yourself.

EOR vs. Freelancing in Spain: Which One Works for You?

If you're not sure whether to stick with the autónomo model or explore the EOR route, here’s a quick breakdown based on my conversation with a friend who made the switch:

📌 Monthly Paperwork

• EOR: None — the platform handles payroll, taxes, and contributions.
• Autónomo: Yes — you’re responsible for quarterly tax declarations, VAT (if applicable), and keeping up with Hacienda.

🏥 Access to Healthcare

• EOR: Yes — you’re enrolled in Spain’s public healthcare system through Social Security.
• Autónomo: Also yes — but only after paying into the system through your freelance quota.

💸 Sick Leave & Pension

• EOR: Included automatically as part of your employee benefits.
• Autónomo: Limited access unless you contribute at a higher rate and apply through specific channels.

💼 Best For:

• EOR: People working full-time or long-term for one international employer.
• Autónomo: Freelancers with multiple clients or those who need to issue invoices independently.

🧾 Invoicing Clients

• EOR: Not allowed — unless you’re also registered as an autónomo separately.
• Autónomo: Yes — you can invoice anyone directly.

If you're juggling several clients or projects at once, the autónomo route may still be your best option. But if you're working mostly for one company abroad and want simplicity, legal coverage, and less paperwork, an EOR setup might make your life a whole lot easier.

Is the EOR Model Right for You?

You should consider using an EOR if:

• You work remotely for one main foreign employer
• You want full legal protection and access to healthcare in Spain
• You’d rather skip autónomo taxes, quotes, and VAT
• Your client is open to working with Deel or a similar provider

It might not be the best option if:

• You have multiple clients and need to invoice them directly
• Your employer isn’t open to handling EOR fees
• You want to maintain full freelance flexibility

Final Thoughts: Simplify Remote Work in Spain

The truth is, being an autónomo in Spain works for a lot of people — but it’s not the only path. If you’re someone who wants stability, benefits, and fewer bureaucratic headaches, the Employer of Record model is worth exploring.

My friend’s experience with Deel opened my eyes to an alternative that’s already helping thousands of remote workers feel at home in Spain — without the paperwork stress.

That casual coffee chat with my friend ended up answering a question I didn’t even know I had.
Remote work in Spain doesn’t have to be complicated — and you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Still Have Questions?

I’m not a gestor or a lawyer, but I’m happy to share what I’ve learned so far. If this article helped you — or you’re wondering whether EOR is a fit for your situation — don’t hesitate to reach out.

📩 Contact me anytime at laylarojas.ch@gmail.com or drop me a message through my contact page.

Looking for a legal way to work remotely in Spain — without the stress of autónomo paperwork?

Many expats and freelancers in Spain are searching for alternatives to autónomo registration, especially when working for international companies. If you’re looking for a legal way to simplify remote work life in Spain — with fewer tax declarations and full social security coverage — the Employer of Record model might be worth exploring.

Remote work should feel free, not frustrating. And luckily, in Spain, there’s more than one way to make it work. 💻🇪🇸